As a child I was always singing, performing and competing at events and competitions in England and Wales.  I played the piano and the harp. I graduated from Aberystwyth University and The Royal Northern College of Music where I studied singing to become a professional singer. During my 10 years in the West End, I performed in 'The Phantom of the Opera' (in my last year playing the role of 'Carlotta'), and 'Jerry Springer the Opera', a part which awarded me an Olivier Award. My last role was Sister Sophia in 'The Sound of Music' at the London Palladium - a role I played for the whole two and a half year run!

A fellow 'nun' at 'The Sound of Music' told me about Monkey Music. I had tried various baby activities and music classes for toddlers with my twin children (then 3 years old) but had never enrolled - I just hadn't found what I was looking for. I was also looking for a career change - one which would keep music as its focus whilst being more family friendly. When I observed Monkey Music classes taking place in Chelsea I was astounded at the tracking and intense concentration from the little babies in the Rock'n'Roll class - I hadn't imagined that such enjoyment and concentration could be possible from such young little ones. By the time I observed the Ding-Dong class for 3-4 year olds, I was completely and utterly sold. Children were answering numerous questions about the violin (made out of wood, how many strings, bow etc.) and were even beating crotchet and quaver beats on their drums. More than anything I can remember the older children's confidence in answering questions and the pure enjoyment on faces of children of all ages (and their parents/carers) and felt that these were music classes for babies and toddlers that I would be proud to bring to Amersham, Beaconsfield and the Chalfonts.

When I started Monkey Music here, my children were 4 years old and now they are 14! I run several classes throughout the week and hugely enjoy doing so - it is a privilege to see children grow in confidence and ability.  With four separate classes and the learning tailored to the specific needs of that age-group, parents, nannies and carers enjoy the classes too, working with their children in an environment of smiles. We use only high quality resources - our musical instruments are instruments, rather than toys. They are robust and designed to stimulate and support the learning for each child. We love seeing babies and little ones enjoying music - a child is never too young to enjoy the steady beat. The 3-4 year olds also try out instruments of the orchestra!

I am a National Trainer for Monkey Music - teaching and assessing new Monkey Music teachers (asking our current customers for their help in bringing babies and toddlers along for training and assessment classes) and providing six-monthly 'top-up' training for existing Monkey Music teachers.

Five years ago, Sandra Hanscomb joined me as teacher and more recently, Miranda Dawe - click on the 'Our Team' button for further details.

I believe that Monkey Music gives babies and children the best musical start - and through music, their social, linguistic and physical skills also develop.  You could say that it's a class which focuses on overall development through the medium of music - but in such a way that children and carers look forward to our classes and an environment where confidence grows. Our little ones are so busy having fun that they don't even relaise they are learning!  Even the tiny little babies come to know that lovely things happen at Monkey Music.  One dad of a little boy in our Rock'n'Roll class (for babies from 12 weeks) said to me, "My little boy knows three car parks - the nursery - where he cries; the gym where he grizzles and Monkey Music - where he claps!"

What's unique about Monkey Music is that we have FOUR different classes dependent on age so you can be sure that the class is tailored to the development needs of your child.  Classes are small - no more than 15 in a class - and we know the names of all the children who come to us - no name stickers for us.  We have over 30 classes Monday to Friday - so hopefully there is something to suit you.  Come and join us for a free first class and see whether you and your baby/child will enjoy it too.